The East Bay will soon have the largest bike path network in the country, thanks to a $10.2 million federal grant announced Wednesday.

The Department of Transportation funds will allow the East Bay Regional Park District to connect dozens of gaps in the Bay Trail and Iron Horse Trail, so bicyclists will be able to ride from Brentwood to Union City, from Berkeley to Livermore, a web of more than 200 miles.

"This is probably one of the most incredible things we've done here," said Pat O'Brien, manager of the park district. "It's really a hallmark for East Bay residents."

The grant is the largest the district has received in its 76-year history. The district was selected from 700 applications, ranging from freeway widening projects to rail yards.

Bicyclists were ecstatic at the news.

"There were such overwhelming challenges to making these trail connections happen," said Rick Rickard, director of the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. "Now we'll be able to get through them. We're thrilled."

The park district's top priorities are building an underpass beneath Interstate 580 in Pleasanton for the Iron Horse Trail, and connecting the Bay Trail gap between Gilman Street and Buchanan Street in Berkeley and Albany.

Other top projects include extending the Bay Trail through Hercules, building a Highway 4 overpass in Antioch, and linking the Bay Trail between Martinez and Crockett.

Work will begin as soon as the money arrives, O'Brien said. The entire list of projects is expected to be complete in 10 to 15 years.

Three other projects in California won grants, including a $20 million light rail extension to Los Angeles International Airport. The Port of Los Angeles and San Bernardino County also won grants.

The only other major bike project to win was in Arkansas.

"In the East Bay, this will provide an essential connection, giving people an additional option to getting around," said Shannon Tracey, field organizer for Transportation for America, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit that pushes for federal transportation reform. The grant is through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program.